Revit+Architecture+2008+to+3DS+Max+2008

=Revit Architecture 2008 to 3ds Max 2008 =

Objectives
 1. Document interoperability between Revit Architecture and 3ds Max 2. Identify options and issues regarding geometry, texture and lighting. 3. Propose preferred work flow to achieve daylight visualization using Mental Ray.

Work flow
Watch the video

One can either export or link the Revit model to transfer the geometry and related information. Linking works well if significant design changes are expected and which will need to be updated in the Max model simultaneously.

Within Revit Architecture 2008: [[image:newrevit_2008_export.JPG width="240" height="186" align="right" caption="click to blow up" link="Revit Architecture DWG export"]]
1. Open the Revit model 2. Go to the 3d view port which will be rendered. Make sure that the 3d view port is open before exporting, otherwise the file will not be exported properly 3. Go to File>Export>Cad formats 4. Set the type as AutoCAD 2007 dwg or higher 5. For file linking, use the automatic file name and a single file location so that the same file can be updated to ease out the work flow 6. For general export-import, any file name and location can be used 7. Go to Options>Solids. Choose either Polymesh or ACIS solids (explained later). Close window 8. Save the file

Go to Customize menu>Custom UI and defaults switcher. Choose **Max mental ray** option and set. Restart 3ds Max. You should be able to see the //'arch+design'// Mental Ray template after opening the material editor toolbar (shortcut key: M).

**Linking:**
1. Go to File>File Link Manager and select the exported dwg file and attach. Check the linked file in the file tab. Check that the Revit option is selected in Presets. **Try to use same file units both in Revit and Max** to avoid problems. 2. Select the layers necessary for rendering to avoid unnecessary data. Attach the file. 3. Close the manager once attached.

To update this file, if the Revit model is modified:
1. Export the model as dwg with the same file name and location. 2. Open Max and go to File Link Manager>Files and reload. The model will be updated.

**Import:**

 * 1) Go to File>import and select the dwg file to import
 * 2) Under the import options, you may want to weld nearby vertices in the import options to avoid geometry problems. Check the 'Sun and Sky' and 'Views and Cameras' options under 'Include Section' if they are preassigned in the Revit model
 * 3) Once again, try to keep the same units in Revit and Max
 * 4) Click OK to import



 * Polymesh Export
 * ACIS Solids Export
 * Texture Issues

**Daylighting and Rendering**
The best way to obtain daylighting visualization is to use the daylighting with [|Mental Ray] option. For Max 2008, it is better to check the material properties and reassign them in Max accordingly prior to rendering.


 * 1) In the Perspective viewport, select the 3d view to be rendered. This should be stored if the 'Views and Cameras' option is checked during import.
 * 2) Select the Sun from the top viewport, and check the properties with respect to location, date, and time for the final render
 * 3) Go to Render menu and open the render set up. Mental Ray should be the default renderer assigned. Under Renderer tab, set the preset to draft, custom or high. Try the draft option first to see everything is alright.
 * 4) Render the scene
 * 5) Save the image

For more detailed information follow the links below: 1. [|Video link for Revit Architecture to 3ds max workflow] 2. [|Autodesk White papers]

__Pseudo Color Exposure Control__
This options enables one to understand the actual Illuminance or Luminance levels (for daylighting analysis) with a color map rendering. Please click the link above for more details.

Revit Architecture 2009 to 3ds Max 2009 Back to Main Page